Fort McHenry squadron welcomes Spaatz cadet to their cadet cadre

1/15/2018 — HALETHORPE, Md. — Civil Air Patrol Cadet Colonel Viviana L. Angelini began the 2017 fall semester at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County majoring in global studies – international relations. A student originally from Florida, she also is a cadet member of Civil Air Patrol and committed to continuing her cadet career. Researching the availability of a local CAP squadron that would complement her schedule, she identified Fort McHenry Composite Squadron, located near UMBC, as a perfect choice. Effective October 2, 2017, Angelini officially transferred her CAP membership from the Florida Wing’s Clearwater Composite Squadron to Maryland Wing’s Fort McHenry squaddron. Since transferring into FMCS, she is serving as its cadet deputy commander for support. Her new home squadron welcomed Angelini acknowledging that with her experience and qualifications, she will be a valuate asset to FMCS and to the squadron’s cadet cadre.

Angelini has an established history of stellar cadet service and leadership achievements. During her tenure with the Clearwater squadron, she held positions as its flight commander, cadet public affairs officer, served as the cadet commander and as a member of the Florida Wing Cadet Advisory Council. Joining CAP on November 4, 2011, she fervently pursued the cadet training program receiving the Spaatz Award on October 12, 2016. The Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award is CAP’s highest cadet honor. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness and aerospace education. Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after devoting an average of five years to progress through 16 achievements in the CAP cadet program. Along the way cadets develop self-discipline, a strong sense of personal responsibility, the ability to lead and persuade, and the foundation necessary for pursuing a career in aviation, space or technology.

CAP offers many opportunities for cadets and senior members to advance their professional development, experience and leadership principles. Complementing the core cadet program are CAP’s national cadet special activities. NCSA’s are designed to give cadets direct hands-on experience with various aspects of CAP programs and provide meaningful insight into several aviation-related careers. There are approximately 30 different special activities that a cadet may attend. Each activity is approximately a week-long, and most are offered during the summer. Angelini has pursued and successfully completed many of these programs and activities including: Hawk Mountain Ranger School, Regional Cadet Leadership School, Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course, National Blue Beret and Civic Leadership Academy. She also completed glider and powered CAP orientation flights and has attended several Florida encampments. For more information about CAP NCSA’s visit www.ncsas.com.

Over 1,500 CAP members serve in Maryland. Last year wing members flew 13 search and rescue missions. The wing was credited with five finds and one life saved. Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland. Members flew 2,106 hours in all mission categories. Volunteers contributed services estimated at 4.6 million dollars. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at mdwg.cap.gov .

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 57,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. CAP also plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to 24,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit http://www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.